Back in May, I was asked by my dad if I wanted to go to Army–Navy. I absolutely had to jump at that chance. Army-Navy has become a game I never want to miss when it comes on. Being there I knew was going to be special.
We arrived at Metlife Stadium at noon and I was surprised to see so many people tailgating. I am not lying to you when I say that majority of the parking spots were filled with tailgaters. At about 1:30, we went in and searched for some merch stands. My only complaint is that they needed more merch stands of more than two things. I only saw the Navy table and there were only hoodies and a poster. I was hoping for more than that, but maybe they just don’t do that. It was still an hour before game time when we got to our seats, but we were entertained by the warmups and the vignettes that were on the video board for both Army and Navy. About 3 is when the combined Army and Navy choir sang the national anthem and it was the best I have heard live.
A couple minutes after that we got a flyover with some thunderbirds and Navy exited the tunnel. Then, we have some choppers fly over and Army exited their tunnel. An amazing few minutes just before kick-off. When the game kicked off you could tell the crowd was amazing. They were loud, they were cheering for their side, but there were more boos than I expected to hear. Also, I only say this because I did see one, if you do go to Army-Navy do not be that drunk idiot, please. This is a game of respect, so don’t be that guy.
At the half, my family was down as Army led 13-7. Like normal, the crowd does what they need to do as the Army and Navy bands played. Then Lee Greenwood came out and performed God Bless the USA. One of the greatest things I have ever seen as the whole song and the atmosphere were amazing. When the song ended 82,000+ started chanting USA. Just incredible to be a part of.
When the game came back it was all Navy as they shut down Army in the second half and scored 10 unanswered points. Diego Fagot helped on both sides of the ball as he was in on every play on defense and was the ball carrier on a fake punt to give Navy the first down late in the fourth. Navy was able to hold on and win 17-13 and sing second for the first time since 2019. Army holds onto the Commander in Chief’s trophy as each school went 1-1 (Navy lost to Air Force while Army beat them).
I will absolutely be going to another Army-Navy game in the future. I highly recommend going to the game if you have the chance. Metlife was great, but it might take some time before they host again (the last time was 2002). Philly is up next year and future venues have not been announced yet.
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